Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 18:14:13 -0500
Reply-To: "Michael E. Pidcoe" <pidcoe@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Michael E. Pidcoe" <pidcoe@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Side Rear Window
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Fred,
I have never replaced a vanagon window but I have replaced dozens of bug
and bus windows, including my '74 Thing hardtop and all of the windows
in my 21 window deluxe (sold to purchase my '71 single cab which I sold
to a kind gentleman who assured me it would get restored.)
Anyway, if they go in like the older VW's I would first suggest that 50
degrees is way too cold to do this. It is very important to have nice
warm seals with which to work as well as warm glass seems less likely to
break than warm glass (why? dunno). Here is what I would do:
1. Find a warm garage.
2. Put the warm seal on the warm window and take some string (I use the
same kind that you might buy for kite flying).
3. Wrap the string around the warm window rubber groove, twice. Try to
finish with the two ends of string overlapping at the base or top center
of your warm window.
4. Spray the warm window seal with something slippery. I have had good
luck with windex, wd-40 and liquid dishwashing soap.
5. Have a friend (or two for a large window) hold the warm window up
against the opening and apply gentle pressure while you pull the string
out slowly. I have found that if your friend(s) apply a slight bit of
extra pressure against the area where you are pulling, the window will
seat easier. Also, it is best to pull the string back against itself,
that is to say keep the string against the window and pull parallel to
the window or one more attempt to explain would be, do not pull the
string away from the window at a 90 degree angle. I hope I am
explaining this clearly enough.
It is likely that you will have the lip for the warm seal over the edge
of the window opening by the time you complete your first pass around of
string removal. The second pass is for insurance. Make sure that your
friend(s) maintain the slight pressure against the window until the
string is removed. Too much pressure can crack the window and make it
hard to remove the string.
You did not mention removing the old window & seal but I will add, to
avoid breakage, I usually just take a razor blade or utility knife and
cut the old seal away.
This is an easy job when it is warm.
I hope that I did not forget anything. Oh yeah, did I mention that it
should be warm?
Good luck,
Mike Pidcoe
'82 Diesel (Hanagon-Blue)
'86 Syncro w/Suby engine - very very soon
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